SE Valley Times

Mesa, Arizona, has proclaimed April 25 as Arbor Day, highlighting its dedication to tree planting and long-term care. Established in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, Arbor Day is commemorated annually on the final Friday in April. Mayor Mark Freeman emphasized the importance of trees in the city, stating, "Arbor Day is all about recognizing the important role trees play in our city. Trees don't just clean our air and water; they also provide much-needed shade, making it easier and cooler to walk from neighborhoods to schools, work or transit."

The Trees Are Cool Initiative continues to guide Mesa's ambitious plan to plant one million trees by 2050. The initiative focuses on areas with minimal tree cover, involving residents, nonprofits, schools, and community groups. For this year's Arbor Day celebration, Councilmembers Goforth, Heredia, and Spilsbury, together with nine community volunteers, will visit 12 elementary schools in Mesa. They will engage third-grade students by reading Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax" and distributing Blue Palo Verde seeds for a practical lesson in germination and planting.

The Tree Stewards program, in partnership with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA), has recently completed the planting of nearly 200 trees in various locales, notably Sherwood Park and Whittier Elementary, selected based on Tree Equity Scores. This initiative offers free urban forestry training and trees for community volunteers to plant in their areas. Information on joining the Tree Stewards Program is available through virtual sessions at the provided city website.

"Creating a greener and cooler community will take a commitment from all of us—residents, schools, businesses, and the City," noted Stephen Addison, Urban Forest Program Manager for Mesa. "We are off to a great start, with plenty of time to collaborate and plant. Working together, we can grow our tree canopy and help cool our neighborhoods. There's no better way to celebrate Arbor Day than by planting trees."

Additionally, Mesa concluded the second year of its Mesa Shade Tree Program in March. In collaboration with Trees Matter, the initiative provided free desert-adapted trees to households, coupled with educational sessions on their care. The city was honored as a Tree City USA for the 15th year in a row by the Arbor Day Foundation, acknowledging Mesa’s tree planting and environmental efforts.

Further details on Arbor Day activities and tree tips can be accessed on the city's website.

The Arizona Sustainability Alliance is noted for its involvement in creating sustainability projects in partnership with communities throughout Arizona. Similarly, Trees Matter encourages the increase of the tree canopy in the Phoenix area, focusing on public health, environmental education, and advocacy for greener communities.